The macrobiotic diet is a way of eating that emphasizes whole, unrefined foods with no added chemicals. The center of this diet is brown rice or other whole grains, but includes vegetables at every meal, especially leafy green vegetables. The diet calls for small amounts of fish, fruit and seaweed. The macrobiotic diet does not include poultry, red meat, sugar or anything artificial, like sweeteners, flavorings, dyes and preservatives. Eggs are eaten only in special circumstances on a macrobiotic diet.
Eggs in Macrobiotic Theory
Macrobiotic theory emphasizes a balance between yin and yang, two opposing forces of nature. From this point of view, illness arises when there is an excess of one of these forces, creating weakness or stagnation in the body. The goal of the macrobiotic diet is to bring yin and yang back into balance. Because eggs are a highly concentrated animal protein, they are considered yang. So, egg consumption risks making the physical condition too yang, perhaps leading to sickness.
Eggs and Women's Reproductive Health
According to Michio Kushi, a leading macrobiotic teacher in the United States, traditional medical practitioners in East Asia believed eggs were especially harmful to the ovaries. In his view, dermoid cysts are caused by the over-consumption of eggs, cheese and meat. Another macrobiotic teacher, Annemarie Colbin, believes premenstrual syndrome can be quickly resolved by avoiding foods connected to animal reproduction, like milk, eggs and meat from animals given estrogen.
Ran-Sho
While, in general, macrobiotic teaching discourages eggs, there are times when eggs are used as medicine. If excess consumption of yin foods, like sugar, fruit juice and alcohol has weakened the heart, macrobiotic counselors will sometimes recommend ran-sho, a beverage prepared by mixing 2 parts egg to 1 part tamari soy sauce. Ran-sho is never given to people whose condition is caused by an excess of yang foods like meat, saturated fat or salt.
Macrobiotic Recipes with Eggs
In her book "Key to Good Health: Macrobiotic Kitchen," cook and teacher Cornelia Aihara included egg dishes with this comment: "Egg dishes are eaten at New Year or special parties. They are not for everyday."
If you are unable to completely give up eggs and if your general health is good, follow Cornelia Aihara's wise advice and eat eggs only on special occasions.
References
- Way to Health: You are What and How You Eat
- "Zen Macrobiotics"; Georges Ohsawa; 1965
- "Women's Health Guide"; Gale Jack, et al. (eds.); 1997
- "Macrobiotic Home Remedies"; Michio Kushi; 1985
- "Key to Good Health: Macrobiotic Kitchen"; Cornellia Aihara; 1983
Member Comments